MLB insider torches Reds, adds familiar names to search for David Bell's replacement

A subject that has been tossed about for several years was brought into the light by New York Post columnist and MLB insider Jon Heyman. Was David Bell's hiring in 2018 based on nepotism? Heyman seems to think so.

In his most recent column, Heyman referred to the Cincinnati Reds as nepotism's favorite team. Yikes! He went on to explain that Bell was hired by the Reds a little less than six years ago despite having zero big league experience as a manager. Many Reds fans will remember that Joe Girardi, Brad Ausmus, and John Farrell were all on Cincinnati's radar as well.

Furthermore, Heyman points out that Bell's father, Buddy, was part of the hiring committee, suggesting that David would not have gotten the opportunity were it not for the fact that his dad was part of the Reds organization at the time.

MLB insider torches Reds, adds familiar names to search for David Bell's replacement

Heyman's observations are nothing new. Anybody who's followed the Reds for some time knows Cincinnati's history of keeping it in the family. The ball club has even found a number of ways over the years to sign or trade for local talent. Some names of note include Scooter Gennett, Joey Wiemer, and Luke Maile.

Quite honestly, Reds fans shouldn't expect much to change this time around. The leading candidate, to replace Bell as manager, at least at the moment, is Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. The former utility player spent his final two Major League seasons in Cincinnati.

Heyman tossed out two more names for Reds fans to keep an eye on as the search for a new manager begins, both of which will be rather familiar. Former Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross could be on the Reds' shortlist, as could Hall of Famer Barry Larkin. The former was a catcher for the Reds from 2006-2008, while latter is currently part of the Bally Sports broadcasting team.

More names are sure to emerge in the coming days. Cincinnati's 2024 season will wrap up on Sunday at Wrigley Field, and while other clubs are readying for a trip to the MLB Postseason, the Reds will be looking for someone to take the reins and lead them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

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